“Whether we like it or not, we still have major divides in this country. Most of us still go to bed at night in cities, communities and neighborhoods that are segregated by race, religion, ethnicity and/or class.

I wanted to write a play that encourages greater tolerance and understanding by spurring self-examination and promoting compelling civil discourse.

Making the audience the jury and then inviting the ‘jury’ for a post-show discussion provides a forum to begin that process.”

Todd Logan

Todd Logan is a playwright, filmmaker, and humorist. His plays, Botanic Garden directed by Olympia Dukakis, Tops or Bottoms, Persistence of Vision, Fallout, and The Playwright and all That Crap have appeared in Chicago over the last several years. He also wrote the independent film, With a Family Like Mine… His humor pieces have appeared in many publications, including The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Writer’s Digest. Todd was also the founder of Sportscape, Inc. a Boston publishing and trade show company.

KIMM BEAVERS, managing producer, Ms. Allen

Kimm Beavers has toured with Canamac Productions’ DEFAMATION for the past 5 years. From her artistry onstage to managing tours and producing, she brings integrity to her roles at Canamac Productions.

“At the end of the day this is a business that has to run effectively on the highest professional level. However, this business impacts lives on a very human level that stays with people forever.”

Kimm Beavers was last seen on Stage in Immediate Family at The Goodman Theater directed by Phylicia Rashad and the world premiere of Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man at Court Theater as well as The Trip at ETA Theater (BTA award, Best Ensemble). Film Credits include: Lost Ones, Molly’s Gift, Love Shorts, & Til Death Do Us Part. Kimm received her B.A. in Speech and Theater Arts at Clark Atlanta University. Always excited to share the stage with great performers, Kimm believes the best way to grow is to “surround yourself with people you can learn from and evolve with”.

SCOTT PHELPS, Director

Scott Phelps is in his 14th year as the Artistic Director at Citadel Theatre. He has acted in and directed dozens of Citadel productions over the last decade since founding this North Shore theatre in 2002 with his friend and lifelong companion, Ellen. He has acted and directed in NYC, and in his home state of California, trained as an actor at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, received his BFA from the University of Utah, and did an apprenticeship at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in KY. For 18 years, Scott worked for a promotional company and raised his three daughters and one son in Lake Forest. Recently he has been taking on the next chapter of his life - the role of 'Grandpa'. Although he is unsure if he is old enough to play that part, he's been enjoying the challenge.

JONATHAN NICHOLS, Mr. Lawton

Jonathan Nichols is very excited to step into a new role with Defamation as the Assistant Director having played Mr. Lawton for the past two tours. A Chicago based actor, Jon has performed with numerous Chicago companies over the years including: Shaw Chicago, Remy Bumppo Theatre, Silk Road Rising, First Folio Theatre, Shakespeare on the Green (Lake Forest, IL), The Shakespeare Project of Chicago, and Oak Park Festival Theatre. Regionally he has also performed with Door Shakespeare in Door County, WI.

JEANNE T. ARRIGO, Judge Adrian Barnes

Jeanne is thrilled to be on tour with Defamation and this superb cast and production crew. Chicago stage credits include: Lookingglass Theatre, House Theatre, Court Theatre, Steppenwolf (U/S), Chicago Shakespeare (U/S), Windy City Playhouse (U/S), Brown Paper Box, and Griffin Theatre Co. TV credits: Chicago PD, Chicago Med. Film: Many indy film projects you’ve never heard of. Besides her husband Brett, fiddle is her very favorite thing! Visit www.jeannetarrigo.com for more info and to hear some music. Jeanne holds B.A.’s in Theatre and Psychology from Coe College and an M.Ed. in School Psychology. She is represented by Gray Talent.

RISHA TENAE HILL, Regina Wade, Tour Manager

Risha graduated from Alabama School of Fine Arts, Miami University B.A. theater program, and California Institute of the Arts M.F.A. theater program in performance. Theatre credits include: Blues for an Alabama Sky (Angel), King Lear (Cornwall), 24 Hours the Musical (Shawnna), In the Blood (Welfare/Bully), Three sisters (Irena), The Music Man (Alma), King Henry V (Kate), The Colored Museum (Woman #3). Risha is also a Teaching Artist who taught K-12 in Los Angeles and is currently teaching with Writer's Theatre, Changing Worlds, Emerald City Theatre and Black Ensemble

F. DAVID ROTH, Mr. Lawton

A veteran Chicago actor since mid '80's. TV credits: Empire (FOX), Chicago Fire (NBC), The Mob Doctor (FOX), Powers (F/X), The Chicago Code (FOX), The Line (CBS pilot), The Beast (A&E), Early Edition (CBS). Film credits: Bus Driver (Meridian Studios), The Express (Universal Pictures), Brushfires and Common Senses (Splitpillow Films). As a stage actor, he has worked with Todd Logan and Canamac Productions on their critical hit “Persistence of Vision”. He has also worked with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Northlight Theatre, Piven Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, American Blues, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Human Race Theater Company and many others, in roles ranging from The Fool in “King Lear” to Pale in “Burn This”. Brian is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.

MARQUECIA JORDAN, Lorraine Jordan

Marquecia is a professional singer, actress, model, and seamstress, made her stage debut in Nina Simone: The High Priestess Speaks at the Black Ensemble Theater. Other stage credits: From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, Don't Make Me Over: A Tribute to Dionne Warwick, Plays with a Purpose Series (Black Ensemble Theater); Harriet Tubman: Road to Freedom, The Money Show, and Fractured Fairy Tales (Great Works Theatre Company); and Whistle Down the Wind (Jedlicka Performing Arts Center). Commercial/industrial credits: Kmart, Walgreens, Safe Auto, Kohl's, Allstate and McDonalds. She has sung with Arlen Music, the High Society Orchestra, the Steve Edwards Orchestra and Rhythm City. She is a fashion accessories and costume designer. Marquecia is very excited and grateful to be joining the Defamation tour this spring!

BRIAN RABINOWITZ, Arthur Golden

Brian’s Chicago credits include The Stage Manager in Our Town, Matt Friedman in Talley's Folley, Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors, Claudius in Hamlet, Lt. Brannigan in Guys and Dolls, Mr.Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, Uncle Morty in My Favorite Year, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Frederick in Enchanted April, Francois in A Perfect Wedding and Mr. Smith in Meet Me in St. Louis. Directing credits include Company, Greater Tuna, The Diary of Anne Frank, Streeterville, Lost in Yonkers and Thee Trinity. Favorite regional credits include Vladimir in Waiting for Godot, Harold Hill in The Music Man and Fagin in Oliver! Thanks to everyone at DEFAMATION! for this amazing opportunity and love to Jocelyn.